Genocide, Reconciliation, and the Residential Schools: A Survey of Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Attitudes among Elected Officials in Canada

Abstract

This article contextualizes and presents an online nationwide survey we have conducted at federal, provincial, and territorial levels across Canada. The survey is bilingual and has been supported by the SSHRC and the University of Guelph. Elected officials were approached in confidence to complete a survey concerning their attitudes towards Aboriginal history, changes in the current political system to facilitate increased Aboriginal representation, and the applicability of international law, specifically the UN Genocide Convention, to interpret Aboriginal experiences in the Indian Residential Schools. We argue that the qualitative and quantitative data we have obtained mirrors survey of the Canadian mainstream electorate in significant wars.